In a move expected to cost about $1 billion, General Motors recalled all remaining models of the electric Bolt — on the heels of a recall issued in July — and urged consumers to park their vehicle outside overnight.
Chevy Bolt owners should take steps to reduce the risk of their vehicles’ batteries catching fire, according to a voluntary recall issued by General Motors (GM) Friday. More than 70,000 vehicles in North America are affected by the latest recall, according to GM — and that’s on top of about 68,000 Bolts previously recalled over the same issue.
GM said it discovered manufacturing defects in certain battery cells produced at LG manufacturing facilities outside its primary facility in Ochang, Korea.
“In rare circumstances, the batteries supplied to GM for these vehicles may have two manufacturing defects — a torn anode tab and folded separator — present in the same battery cell, which increases the risk of fire,” the automaker said in a statement.
To remedy the situation, GM said it will replace defective lithium-ion battery modules and provide customers an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty. But because the replacement parts aren’t readily available — GM said it is “working aggressively with LG to increase production” — the brand issued guidelines for consumers to help reduce the risk of a battery catching fire.
In July, GM recalled certain 2017-2019 Bolts because of battery dangers, the second battery recall in less than a year for the beleaguered Bolt. The current recall adds an additional 9,335 2019 Bolts to that recall, and about 63,683 2020-2022 model year Bolts.
Chevy Bolt Recall: Batteries Catch Fire
GM instructs Bolt owners to take the following steps to help prevent battery fire issues:
1. Set your vehicle to a 90% state of charge limitation using Hilltop Reserve mode (for 2017-2018 model years) or Target Charge Level mode (for 2019-2022 model year). Instructions on how to do this are available in the video below. If you are unable to successfully make these changes, or do not feel comfortable making these changes, GM asks you to visit your dealer to have these adjustments completed.
2. Charge your vehicle more frequently and avoid depleting your battery below approximately 70 miles (113 km) of remaining range, where possible.
3. Park your vehicle outside immediately after charging and do not leave your vehicle charging indoors overnight.
Chevrolet has a video to help walk customers through the above procedures; find it at MyChevrolet.com.
Customers who have questions or want more information should contact the Chevrolet EV Concierge 1-833-EVCHEVY, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 am ET; Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET.
